BILLINGS — Seven hunter education classes are scheduled in Yellowstone County during February. Anyone born after Jan. 1, 1985, must complete a hunter education class before purchasing a Montana hunting license.

Students must turn at least 12 years old during 2009 to register for hunter education classes. There is no maximum age and adult hunters, including parents, are encouraged to take the class and earn hunter education certification.

The classes teach Montanans to be safe, responsible and ethical hunters. All classes are taught by certified volunteer instructors and are free to all participants.

Students must attend all sessions, pass the class and successfully complete the field day activities to be certified.

Here is a schedule for registration, classes and field days:

Laurel High School

Registration - Monday, Jan. 26, 2009 – 6:30 p.m

Class - Feb. 2-6, 2009 – 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m.

Field Day – Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009 – Riverside Park

Lockwood Middle School

Registration - Monday, Feb. 2, 2009 – 7 p.m.

Class - Feb. 9-13, 2009 – 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m

Field Day – Saturday, Feb. 14, 2009 – Lake Elmo State Park

Shepherd School

Registration - Monday, Feb. 2, 2009 – 6:30 p.m.

Class - Feb. 9-13, 2009 – 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m

Field Day – Saturday, Feb. 14, 2009 – Lake Elmo State Park

Lewis and Clark Middle School

Registration - Monday, Feb. 2, 2009 – 6:30 p.m

Class - Feb. 9-13, 2009 – 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m

Field Day – Saturday, Feb. 14, 2009 – Lake Elmo State Park.

Riverside Middle School  – cafeteria

Registration - Monday, Feb. 9, 2009 – 6:30 p.m.

Class - Feb. 16-20, 2009 – 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m.

Field Day – Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009 – Lake Elmo State Park

Castle Rock Middle School – cafeteria

Registration - Monday, Feb. 9, 2009 – 6:30 p.m.

Class - Feb. 16-20, 2009 – 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m.

Field Day – Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009 – Lake Elmo State Park

Will James Middle School – cafeteria

Registration – Monday, Feb. 9, 2009 – 6:30 p.m.

Class - Feb. 16-20, 2009 – 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m.

Field Day – Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009 – Lake Elmo State Park

-FWP-